Pants with Interchangeable Gusset Inserts

ABSTRACT

A pants garment has a pant leg extending vertically from about a hip region to a bottom hem, a slit extending upward from the hem, the slit vertically dividing the pant leg into a pair of mating slit edges ending at a terminus, a zipper for releasably closing the slit along the pair of mating slit edges, a gusset formed of a vertically pleated fabric material having a peripheral length sized to match the pair of mating slit edges, and snaps, buttons, zippers or hook and loop fasteners for removably attaching the peripheral length of the gusset to an interior region of the pant leg adjacent the pair of mating slit edges of the pant leg.

This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 13/313,144 filed Dec. 7, 2011 which was a continuation-in part of application Ser. No. 12/349,398 filed Jan. 6, 2009. Application Ser. Nos. 13/313,144 and 12/349,398 are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to pants and, more specifically, to a pants garment having a closable exterior slit extending from the pant leg bottom to a terminus with a removably attachable inset fastened to the periphery of the slit. The inset, or gusset, is removably attached by means such as snaps, zippers, buttons or Velcro™.

Additionally, the gusset has a pleated and/or gathered portion causing the fabric material to ripple while walking. Additionally the gusset of the present invention is removable to allow for increased comfort while the slit is closed.

2. Description of the Prior Art

There are other pants with interchangeable inserts designed for a similar purpose. Typical of these is U.S. Pat. No. 4,215,435 issued to Miele on Aug. 5, 1980.

Another patent was issued to Charron on Jan. 27, 1987 as U.S. Pat. No. 5,943,699. Yet another U.S. Pat. No. 6,161,223 was issued to Andrews on Dec. 19, 2000 and still yet another was issued on Oct. 23, 2001 to Chou as U.S. Pat. No. 6,305,027.

Another patent was issued to Blake on Nov. 12, 2002 as U.S. Pat. No. 6,477,716. Another U.S. Pat. No. 7,231,671 was issued to Allen on Jun. 19, 2007 and yet another issued to Girod on Apr. 1, 2008 as U.S. Pat. No. 7,350,242. An International patent application was published on Aug. 2, 2007 to Mullen as publication no. WO2007/087532.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,215,435 Inventor: Joseph Miele Issued: Aug. 5, 1980

Convertible trousers including a body portion configured to be placed on the lower half of a human torso in a conventional manner, a pair of leg portions for accommodating therein a pair of human legs, the leg portions each comprising a plurality of flexible interchangeable tubular elements, and means for selectively removeably securing the flexible interchangeable tubular elements coextensively together. The tubular elements may be joined to the body portion in various configurations to produce a garment of a variable length which may be altered to present several different visual appearances.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,638,509 Inventor: Rene Charron Issued: Jan. 27, 1987

Protective trousers for wearing over the lower portion of a dry or wet diving suit include a pair of panels joined at the crotch area and defining leg, hip and waist encircling elements. Clips and straps are provided for connecting the open side edges of the trousers, and for securing the bottom ends of the trousers to the feet of a user.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,943,699 Inventor: Claude Barbeau Issued: Aug. 31, 1999

The firefighter's turnout pants according to the invention are designed so that each pant leg comprises a front panel and a back panel above the knee region, the panels being joined by an outseam and an inseam, and cylindrical panels below the knee region, the cylindrical panels being each joined by only an outseam and connected via a circumferential seam at the knee to the two-panels above the knee. The absence of an inseam below the knee of the firefighter's pants eliminates a chronic problem of abrasion of the threads used in that portion of the inseam and subsequent failure of the inseam. The absence below the knee of an inseam with the potential for failure reduces the maintenance and repair of the firefighter pants, reduces the risk of burn injury resulting from a breach in the protective envelope of the firefighter's pants, and reduces the incidence of reflective trim becoming coincidentally detached from the pants.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,161,223 Inventor Allison Andrews Issued: Dec. 19, 2000

A pair of pants that is easily separable at the crotch into right and left leg portions. Each leg portion is selected from a set of various styles to flexibly create a custom mixed or matched style for a given wearing of the pants. A closure system is provided for quick and convenient separation and re-combination of the leg portions while also providing secure use of the pants.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,305,027 Inventor: Chao Mu Chou Issued: Oct. 23, 2001

Pants with a spiral seam with a zipper provided from a torso part of pants extending downward to lower ends of the pants legs spirally around the respective pants leg and away from a front side of the knee.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,477,716 Inventor: Gloria Blaire Issued: Nov. 12, 2002

Uniform pants are disclosed. The pants are particularly well suited for persons in law enforcement, the military, security, construction and the like as well as medical patients and senior citizens who desire easier access, convenience and safety when attending to their restroom needs. The pants comprise: a) a waistband; (b) two leg members extending from the waistband; a continuous fastener member positioned along the inseam of the leg members, wherein the fastener member begins at a point above the bottom edge of one leg member and extends upwardly and through the crotch area and then downwardly along the second leg member and ends at a point above the bottom edge of the second leg member; and wherein the positioning of the fastener member creates an opening between the bottom edge of the inseam and the fastener member on each leg member; and (d) a separate protective shield positioned beneath the full length of the fastener member. Fastener members include zippers, snaps, buttons, hooks, and hook and loop type fasteners. The zipper is of the regular, visible or invisible type when positioned inside the pants. Additionally, the inclusion of a continuous outer flap on top of the fastener member functions to conceal the fastener member from view. This outer flap is unnecessary when an invisible type zipper is used as the fastener member.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,231,671 Inventor: Bradley Allen Issued: Jun. 19, 2007

Variable leg width trousers, offering the wearer the ability to change the diameter of the lower leg sections of the trousers near the foot end while keeping the diameter of the upper leg sections constant. Each lower leg section is formed to have a width adjustment slot. The trousers may include a width adjusting insert, releasably attached to the lower leg sections by at least one joining device for each width adjustment slot, with which to vary the size of the width adjusting inserts. This allows the user to select the contraction or expansion of each lower leg section for functionality or appearance. The inserts may be constructed of the same material as the trousers or may be constructed of contrasting materials and/or colors. The width adjusting inserts may incorporate decorative indicia or expressive indicia, or may bear certain functional features, such as reflectors or pockets.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,350,242 Inventor: Elizabeth Girod Issued: Apr. 1, 2008

Garments having an inside-out appearance are disclosed and are designed to be inside-out and fashionable. Unique fasteners, belt carriers and modifications of pockets make possible wearing a garment having an inside-out appearance. When a conventional garment is turned inside out many features such as belt carriers, zippers, and pockets become difficult or impossible to use when the garment is worn. Garments disclosed herein permit full use of features such as belt carriers, buttons, zippers, and pockets.

International Patent Publication Number WO2007/087532 Inventor: Nicole Mullen Published: Aug. 2, 2007

A garment constructed so that parts of the garment are detachable and interchangeable. For a pair of pants, the top portion of the garment is made of a pair of shorts, Capri pants, gauchos, or pants. A fastener is attached to each pants leg, either at the hem or some inches above the hem. The fastener can be exposed or covered by fabric. Extenders, which may be made of any kind of fabric and in a variety of shapes (i.e., bell bottoms, flares or straight), attach to the fastener of the garment, changing the appearance and style of the garment by adding length, various trims such as fur or leather, or various colors, textures and/or patterns to the existing fabrics. For example, a pair of shorts could be converted into Capri or full length pants or simply be given a trim.

While these pants may be suitable for the purposes for which they were designed, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention, as hereinafter described.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

A primary object of the present invention is to provide pants having a closable exterior slit extending from the pant leg bottom to a terminus.

Another object of the present invention is to provide pants having an inset, or gusset, which is removably attachable to the periphery of the slit.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide pants having a gusset which is removably attachable to the periphery of the slit by means selected from the group of snaps, zippers, buttons and Velcro.

Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide pants with a removable gusset having a pleated and/or gathered portion at its apex causing the fabric material to ripple while walking.

Another object of the present invention is to provide pants having gussets that are interchangeable.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide pants having gussets with different colors and/or designs.

Additional objects of the present invention will appear as the description proceeds.

The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art by providing pants having a closable exterior slit extending from the pant leg bottom to a terminus with a removably attachable gusset fastened to the periphery of the slit. The gusset is removably attached by means taken from the group of snaps, zippers, buttons and Velcro. The gusset has a pleat at its apex causing the fabric material to ripple while walking.

The foregoing and other objects and advantages will appear from the description to follow. In the description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In the accompanying drawings, like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views.

The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best defined by the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

In order that the invention may be more fully understood, it will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an illustrative view of the present invention in use.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an assembled view of the present invention with pants slit open.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the present invention using snap fasteners.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the present invention using Velcro fasteners.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the present invention using button fasteners.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the present invention using zipper fasteners.

FIG. 9 is an illustrative view of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an illustrative view of the present invention with slit in a closed position.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the present invention that can be turned into a duffel bag or floatation pillow.

FIG. 12 is a presentation view of the embodiment of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 shows the embodiment of FIG. 11 in use as a gusset.

FIG. 14 shows pants with a hip-length gusset that uses lacing to provide a variable closure of the slit.

FIG. 15 shows a detail of the lacing from the embodiment of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a western-style embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 shows an embodiment of the present invention using straps.

DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCED NUMERALS

Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, the figures illustrate the pants having removable gussets of the present invention. With regard to the reference numerals used, the following numbering is used throughout the various drawing figures.

-   -   10 pants garment     -   12 user     -   14 pant leg     -   16 gusset     -   18 hip region of said pants garment     -   20 bottom hem     -   22 slit     -   24 pair of mating slit edges     -   26 terminus     -   28 zipper     -   30 peripheral length of gusset     -   32 means for attaching gusset to pant leg     -   34 interior region of pant leg     -   36 knee     -   38 vertical pleats     -   40 outside portion of pant leg     -   42 seam in pant leg     -   44 open position of zipper     -   46 partly open position of zipper     -   48 fabric material     -   50 snaps     -   52 ornamentation     -   54 hook and loop fasteners     -   56 buttons     -   57 button holes     -   58 zippers     -   60 closed position of zipper

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following discussion describes in detail one embodiment of the invention (and several variations of that embodiment). This discussion should not be construed, however, as limiting the invention to those particular embodiments, practitioners skilled in the art will recognize numerous other embodiments as well. For definition of the complete scope of the invention, the reader is directed to appended claims.

FIG. 1 is an illustrative view of the present invention in use. The present invention is a pants garment 10 wearable by a user 12, the pants garment pant legs 14 having removable and replaceable gussets 16 for flaring out the pant legs 14. The pants garment 10 is shown as a pant leg 14 extending vertically from about a hip region 18 of the pants garment 10 to a bottom hem 20. A slit 22 extends upward from the hem 20, vertically dividing the pant leg 14 into a pair of mating slit edges 24 ending at a terminus 26 with a zipper 28 acting as means for releasably closing the slit 22. A gusset 16 has a peripheral length 30 sized to match the pair of mating slit edges 24, both of which have affixed thereto means 32 for removably attaching the gusset 16 to the pant leg 14. Preferably, the peripheral length 30 of the gusset 16 is removably attachable to an interior region 34 of the pant leg 14 adjacent the slit edges 24, such that the zipper 28, when closed, maintains the gusset 16 inside the pant leg 14. The terminus 26 can be located at any point between the hem 20 and the hip region 18, and preferably is near or above the knee 36.

Illustrated is an embodiment of the invention wherein the fabric material making up the gusset 16 flares out from the terminus 26 to the hem 20 and further includes a plurality of vertical pleats 38. The pants garment 10 of the present invention can have one or both legs having removable gussets 16. The slit 22 can be situated at any vertical line along the pant leg 14; shown is an embodiment wherein the slit 22 runs vertically up an outside portion 40 of the pant leg 14 and is generally co-linear to a seam 42 in the pant leg 14.

In use a user 12 attaches a gusset 16 to the pant leg 14, then manipulates the zipper 28 to a desired position, such as an open 44, closed or partially open 46 position. Shown is the zipper 28 in an open position 44 and a partially open position 46. Optionally, the zipper 28 is adapted to remain in the selected position.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the present invention. Shown is a pants garment 10 with pant legs 14 having removable pleated 38 gussets 16 being attached thereto. A slit 22 extends upward from the hem 20, vertically dividing the pant leg 14 into a pair of mating slit edges 24 ending at a terminus 26 with a zipper 28 acting as means for releasably closing the slit 22. A gusset 16, preferably formed of a fabric material 48, has a peripheral length sized to match the pair of mating slit edges 24, both of which have affixed thereto means 32 selected from snaps 50, buttons, zippers and hook and loop fasteners (VELCRO) for removably attaching the gusset 16 to the pant leg 14.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the present invention. Shown is a pants garment 10 with pant legs 14 having removable gussets 16 being detached therefrom. A slit 22 extends upward from the hem 20, vertically dividing the pant leg 14 into a pair of mating slit edges 24 ending at a terminus 26 with a zipper 28 acting as means for releasably closing the slit 22. A gusset 16, preferably formed of a fabric material 48, has a peripheral length sized to match the pair of mating slit edges 24, both of which have affixed thereto means 32 selected from snaps 50, buttons, zippers and hook and loop fasteners (VELCRO) for removably attaching the gusset 16 to the pant leg 14.

FIG. 4 is an assembled view of the present invention with pants slit open. Shown is a pants garment 10 with pant legs 14 having a removable gusset 16 being attached thereto. A slit 22 extends upward from the hem 20, vertically dividing the pant leg 14 into a pair of mating slit edges 24 ending at a terminus 26 with a zipper 28 acting as means for releasably closing the slit 22. A gusset 16, preferably formed of a fabric material 48, has a peripheral length sized to match the pair of mating slit edges 24, both of which have affixed thereto means 32 selected from snaps 50, buttons, zippers and hook and loop fasteners (VELCRO) for removably attaching the gusset 16 to the pant leg 14.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the present invention 10 using snap fasteners 50. Shown is a sectional view of the present invention using mating snap fasteners 50 as a means of attaching the gusset 16 to the pant leg 14. Also shown is an embodiment of the invention wherein the fabric material 48 further comprises ornamentation 52, such as patterns, textures and other adornments.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the present invention 10 using hook and loop (Velcro) fasteners 54. Shown is a sectional view of the present invention using hook and loop fasteners 54 as a means of attaching the gusset 16 to the pant leg 14. Also shown is an embodiment of the invention wherein the fabric material 48 further comprises ornamentation 52, such as patterns, textures and other adornments.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the present invention 10 using button fasteners 56. Shown is a sectional view of the present invention using button fasteners 56 and mating button holes 57 as a means of attaching the gusset 16 to the pant leg 14. Also shown is an embodiment of the invention wherein the fabric material 48 further comprises ornamentation 52, such as patterns, textures and other adornments.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the present invention 10 using zipper fasteners 58. Shown is a sectional view of the present invention using zipper fasteners 58 as a means of attaching the gusset 16 to the pant leg 14.

FIG. 9 is an illustrative view of the present invention 10. Shown is a sectional view of the pant leg 14 of the present invention with the zipper 28 in a partly open position 46. The gusset 16 contains a plurality of pleats 38.

FIG. 10 is an illustrative view of the present invention 10 with slit 22 in a closed position 60. Shown is a sectional view of the pant leg 14 of the present invention with the zipper 28 in a closed position 60. The present invention provides for pants that can be used with a formal appearance having the slit 22 closed 60 and a fashionable appearance having the slit open displaying the rippled gusset. Additionally the gusset may be removed for comfort or left remaining for future use, should the user decide to close the zipper 28.

The present invention can be used with many different fabric types and designs. In particular, a fatigue (military) fabric can be used for an army pants style that is popular with teenagers, a brightly colored bandana style can be used for a “square dance” look, a leather shaggy look fabric with dangling strips or fringes can be used for a western look, satin can be used for wedding parties, and many other fabric types and designs can be incorporated into the present invention. Combinations of the above can also be used. In particular, the front and back of the insert can use different materials to allow quick changeability of style, or even to have a different look on each leg. All of the components of the present invention are interchangeable and can be combined in any way. Any style, look, material or pattern is within the scope of the present invention. The present invention can be used for all women's pants of any type.

FIG. 11 shows a schematic design for an embodiment of the present invention that can not only be used in the manner previously described, but can also as a bag which can be a duffel bag, reversible beach bag or a fun water-pillow. The device can be used with cruse line wear or to match a 2-piece swim suit. It can optionally be made of towel material and function as a towel for swimming or to contain wet items. The insert 59 can not only be worn as a gusset or flare with pants, but removed and turned inside-out to form a bag. A pocket 60 can be placed on the side of the flare or insert at any location for the handy carrying of a cellphone, key, ID. The pocket 60 can optionally have a zipper 65. Some embodiments may have more than one pocket. Any number of pockets and any location for the pocket on the insert is within the scope of the present invention. FIG. 11 shows an alternate location 61 for a pocket. Some models may have no pockets. When the insert or flare is removed and turned inside-out, the pocket is then on the inside for protection against its contents getting lost or stolen.

The insert can be sewn double to form a bag with a second layer of similar (or even different) material 62 sewn behind the outer layer. One or more drawstrings 63 can be used to close the bag. A hook 64 can be attached to the top of the insert 59 so that when the invention is turned inside-out, the hook 64 becomes exposed and allows hanging of the bag. While a reversible bag allows a hidden hook and other features, it should be understood that it is not essential to the invention that the insert or flare be reversed (or reversible). As can clearly be seen from FIG. 11, the device can function as a bag without turning it inside-out.

FIG. 12 shows an example of the embodiment outlined in FIG. 11. The insert 59 has a long pocket 60 (in this example) and is tucked in several locations 65 to create pleats 66. A second material layer 62 is sewn behind the front layer. The invention is provided with a drawstring 63 and an optional inside hook 64. When turned inside-out, the hook 64 becomes exposed, and the drawstring 62 can be used to close the bag. As stated in the previous paragraph, it is not necessary that the insert 59 be reversed to make a bag. However, as stated, turning it inside-out provides additional security for the pocket those embodiments with zipper pockets by placing the pocket on the inside of the bag. In this case, if the pocket were to come open, the contents could only spill into the bag and hence, not be lost. The particular insert or flare shown in FIG. 12 can be made from any material with any pattern. A straight white or blue flower fabric is particularly attractive and can be used to match bikini tops or halter tops thus providing matching fabric.

While the insert of FIG. 12 is shown with a drawstring, any technique for closing or drawing the bag is within the scope of the present invention.

As previously stated, the present invention, if at least partially made from water-resistant (or waterproof) material can act as a pool-pillow when inflated. Of course, it should not be used as a safety float or other safety device, but rather as a fun water toy. Using water-resistant material, the device can also be used as a wet towel or wet top, or as stated, to carry wet items. The internal hook 64, when present, can allow hanging of the wet device to a locker, bike, car door or other location to dry.

FIG. 13 shows the embodiment of FIGS. 11-12 being worn on a pair of pants, in this case, optionally exposed up to the knee. As previously described, the pants associated with the present invention can optionally include a zipper or other fastener that allows any length of the insert to be exposed. Embodiments of the present invention have a zipper running up to the hip in some embodiments and only running to the knee in others.

FIG. 14 shows a pants with an insert according to the present invention with a lace-over mechanism 67. This optional feature prevents too much sway or bulking out of fabric in the hip and/or thigh area. The lace 67 can be attached to the fabric in any manner. A particular way of attaching the lace 67 is shown in FIG. 15 using hooks 68, ribbon holes 69 or snapovers similar to those used with shoe laces. The bottom, or exposed part, of the flare can be made of a first type of material, while the top, or buckled part, can be made of a second type of material such as a sheer. Any combination of types of material making up the flare is within the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 16 shows a western style embodiment of the present invention which can optionally be brown and include decorative lace 70 to give the shaggy western look.

FIG. 17 shows an alternative to lace to close up the fabric on the hip or thigh, namely straps 72 with buckles 72. While lace and straps have been herein presented, any technique for closing in the material and preventing sway or bulking is within the scope of the present invention. 

1. A system for decorating a woman's pants comprising: a pair of woman's pants with two pants legs each having a slit running from a bottom hem to a termination near a hip line; wherein said slit can be partially closed downward from said termination to a vertical point along said slit; a removable insert attachable vertically under edges of said slit, wherein said removable insert attaches at a plurality of points along said slit using at least one fastener on each side of said slit; and wherein said insert is sewed to contain a plurality of pleats; the insert including a front cloth member and a rear cloth member, said front and rear cloth members sewed together to form an open-bottomed bag; said open-bottomed bag including a draw-string around an open bottom, wherein tightening said draw-string closes said bag; whereby said insert may be used as a tote bag.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein said fastener is chosen from the group consisting of buttons, zippers, hook and loop fasteners and push-on clips.
 3. The system of claim 1 wherein said fastener is a zipper.
 4. The system of claim 1 wherein said insert includes a decorative strip along a lower end.
 5. The system of claim 1 further comprising a mechanism for closing said insert together in a hip or thigh area.
 6. The system of claim 5 wherein said mechanism is a threaded lace.
 7. The system of claim 5 wherein said mechanism is at least one strap and buckle.
 8. A method for enhancing women's pants comprising: providing an insert adapted to be attached to a slit in a pant's leg including a front cloth member and a rear cloth member, said front and rear cloth members sewed together to form an open-bottomed bag; providing a draw-string around an open bottom, wherein tightening said draw-string closes said bag.
 9. The method of claim 8 further comprising providing a pocket on said front cloth member.
 10. The method of claim 8 wherein said bag can be used inside-out as a duffel bag, beach bag, or tote bag.
 11. The method of claim 8 wherein said bag can be used inside-out and when inside-out has a pocket is on said bag's interior.
 12. The system of claim 11 wherein said pocket is zippered.
 13. The system of claim 8 wherein said front and rear cloth members are water-resistant. 